Swimwear is inherently tricky and summer 2026 is all about versatility. From the stunning coastlines of the Mediterranean to rooftop pools in Cairo, men no longer want two separate wardrobes for the beach and the evening. The best swim shorts of 2026 are designed to move with you: from the water at noon to a seafood dinner at sunset without the need for a wardrobe change.
No more bulk, no mesh liners that betray you the moment you step off the sand, no prints so loud they can only survive at the shoreline. The new standard is a short that looks just as appropriate over lunch as it does catching a wave. Here’s how to make that beach-to-table transition seamless.
The water’s getting warmer. Let’s get into it.
H&M THE KHAKI/GREEN TIE-DYE SWIMWEAR
If you’re looking to inject a bit of pattern into your poolside rotation without veering into loud, obnoxious tropical prints, this is your entry point. H&M’s take on tie-dye stays entirely grounded, relying on a muted khaki-and-green palette, for a utilitarian design.
VILEBREQUIN LINEN SWIMWEAR
Linen at the beach is expected; linen you can actually submerge in water is largely innovative in the world of textile. This swimsuit, in Vilebrequin’s The Short style, is a collaboration between the St. Tropez label and an Italian specialist to engineer a 100% pure, natural linen fabric that behaves flawlessly in the sea without requiring a synthetic coating. This is a sublime option for long itineraries on sunny days, moving from an early morning dip to a late-afternoon terrace lunch without requiring a second thought.
LACOSTE STRIPE CROC SWIMWEAR
For this pair, Lacoste reaches back into its tennis court heritage and drops it right at the shore. This muted colorway pairs beautifully with a summer tan. The design is subtly packed with a repeat crocodile print layered into the clean vertical lines, striking a balance between casual ease and structure. These swim trunks take you from a morning swim straight to an alfresco lunch when paired with the matching revere-collar beach shirt.
OLAIAN FROM DECATHLON SURFING SWIMWEAR
For days when beachside lounging sounds much less appealing than water sports, these boardshorts in sunstripe black can be found at Decathlon without the high-fashion price tag. This utility-driven piece is designed specifically for warm-water surf sessions and high-movement beach sports. It’s a straightforward, reliable staple engineered to do exactly what it promises without compromising on aesthetics.
DECATHLON SWIM SHORTS SURF 100
Currently marked down to just 40% of the original price, these shorts have collected over four thousand positive reviews on Decathlon. Positioned as a high-functioning option for the casual surfer or water sports enthusiast, these 15-inch shorts are explicitly designed to hold their ground against the waves. The design is clean and minimal, effortlessly transitioning to a quick poolside lunch when paired with a plain white tee.
NIKE FADEAWAY ESSENTIAL SWIMWEAR
This piece is completely devoid of unnecessary noise. Nike’s Essential Volley shorts are the perfect argument for simplicity, executing the pure, functional staple swimwear perfectly. Offered in eight solid colorways and available in both a contemporary 5-inch and a classic 7-inch inseam, it’s designed to be bought in multiples and worn for seasons.
TRAVELER POLO BEAR SWIM TRUNK
Polo Ralph Lauren brings its famous mascot directly into the sea. The Traveler silhouette is an archival favorite, but this iteration ups the ante by embroidering the iconic Polo Bear onto the left hem. These trunks will make you feel entirely at home whether you’re on an afternoon boat ride or sitting down for a casual seaside lunch.
